Earl Hill

Through his love of family and likable ways, Earl Hill made an undeniable mark on the hearts and lives of those he touched in ways all his own. Above all, family was at the center of all he did, and through the many memories of days gone by, Earl will be fondly remembered when recalling such treasured times.

The era known as the Roaring Twenties created an entirely new landscape within the culture of America. From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed to produce the most explosive decade of the century. It was indeed a time of great prosperity, but for Earl Valentine and Alma (Krause) Hill, nothing was as bright as the birth of their first child, Earl, born on October 3, 1922. Young Earl enjoyed a typical childhood for the times growing up as a big brother to his younger siblings, Don and Christine.

The Hill family made their home in the Detroit area and Redford community of Michigan. Earl's father worked as a printer for the Detroit Free Press while his mother remained at home as a homemaker. As a youngster and into his youth, Earl experienced fun-filled times at a family cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the town of Hessel. He absolutely loved going up north with his cousins who were nonetheless dubbed, "The Three Musketeers". Mornings began early at the cottage to get an early start on fishing. Many memories were made during those days which Earl kept close to his heart.

A likable young man, Earl attended Southeastern High School and enjoyed the friendships of many. During high school and college, he played baseball and was on the track and field teams.Earl loved baseball and was an avid fan of the sport. As a young adult, he played at Belle Isle and it wasn't uncommon for him to play three or four games every Sunday. Earl was a talented baseball player. In fact, he also played AAA baseball and was even asked to try out for the Detroit Tigers, but the military draft during World War II took precedence when he was forced to join the Army. Even so, he was able to play quite a bit in the military. Stationed in Denver, Colorado and Anchorage, Alaska, Earl proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medical technician which paved the way for his future career.

Earl came to enjoy working with medicines so much he furthered his education and went on to become a pharmacist, graduating from Wayne State College. These were glorious years for a young man like Earl. He loved going to the many dances which featured the sound of the big bands. Before long, Earl met and married a young woman named Cecelia. Together they shared a memorable wedding ceremony before family and friends. In time they also shared their love with a family of their own and were blessed with four children, Nancy, Michael, Carol, and Brian. Sadly, many hopes and dreams for the future were cut short by Cecelia's untimely death due to cancer.

Life for Earl wasn't meant to be spent alone. Before long, he met Darlene while working at the Fischer Building in downtown Detroit. After dating for a time, they exchanged vows of marriage before a minister in the comfort of home. Earl was thrilled with his new family of Darlene and her children David, Terry, and Cindy.

Earl was a hard worker and provided well for his family. In his free time, he enjoyed boating and fishing, especially with his family, but nothing beat a Tigers game! Every summer his family treated him to two Detroit Tigers games. Earl also had a love for travel. He enjoyed driving trips out west, and he and Darlene took many cruises throughout the years to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Key West. Over the years they made frequent trips to Mackinac Island and loved going to Frankenmuth for delicious chicken dinners at Zenders.

Earl loved eating out, in general. A few of his favorite restaurants included Plato's, Three Brothers, Roses, and of course Alexander the Great for their great ribs. Always the last one eating at the table, he savored every bite and simply relished good food. In later years, he often went to church with Cindy, enjoying a hearty breakfast afterwards.

Family gatherings were very important to Earl. He loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with them and always looked forward to their get-togethers. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play their many sporting activities, such as little league baseball, football, and wrestling. Along with the Tigers, Earl also followed the Detroit Red Wings. He liked watching college football, and would often watch repeats of old games on TV. Even in his later years, he continued to love the sounds of the big bands, particularly, Glenn Miller.

Earl was a big movie buff. He was always going to the movies, and even won a years worth of free movies by winning an Academy Award questionnaire contest! Always active, Earl got around well and loved to be in the driver's seat. He even had his license until he was 89 years old! Earl retired from work once when he was 62, but missed it. He loved working so much, he went back as a pharmacist at Farmer Jack's and did not retire again until he was 82 years old.

Deeply missed, Earl leaves much to be remembered. At the age of 91, Earl sadly passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2013. He is survived by his children: Michael, Carol, Cindy (Jeffrey) Peszko, Terry (Rob) Shepherd, David (Patricia) Wludyka; grandchildren: Daniel (Tristan), Tyler, Nathan, Logan, Brian, Leann and Wesley; great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Zander; sister, Christine. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Brian; first wife, Cecelia; second wife, Darlene; oldest daughter, Nancy; and his brother, Don earlier this year.

Visitation with Earl's family will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 2-8 PM at the Turowski Life Story Funeral Homes-Canton, West of Sheldon, 45100 Warren Road, Canton, MI 48187. The Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013, 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton, MI with instate 10AM until Mass begins. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Earl and to sign his online guest book.